February 12, 2009, 11:08PM

The recent deer cullings in the city of Grand Haven have spurred controversy in the community with some agreeing with the need for it and others saying the city has acted too quickly in taking action to thin the urban herd. The Grand Haven City Council voted 3-2 on Jan. 5 to authorize professional sharpshooters from the U.S. Department of... Full story »

November 29, 2008, 11:08PM

When faced with the realities of the "new economy" in Muskegon, some teens of working-class families say they are "out of here." Others will go to school elsewhere but remain open to returning home if jobs are available. Community leaders have identified the types of jobs they hope to create here for the next generation. When they penned a... Full story »

November 29, 2008, 10:28PM

Family: The Beemans have a blended family. She has two children who live with them, Bosten Carrier, 3, and David Carrier, 6. He has joint custody of two children, Aubrey Beeman, 7, and Tyler Beeman, 8, of Mount Pleasant. The couple also have a 5-month old daughter, Lilly Beeman. Home: The Beemans live in Holton Township in a mobile... Full story »

November 29, 2008, 9:56PM

Family: Her husband, Troy Grissom, 54, is in a prisoner re-entry program in Jackson and scheduled to be home in eight months. He was incarcerated on a drug charge. "Don't feel bad," Phyllis Grissom says. "He had to do his time ... so he could change. He's a changed man." Daughter Aarika Anderson, 21, is a senior at Western... Full story »

November 29, 2008, 9:25PM

Family: Wife, Jamie, 25, and three children: Emma, 6; Austin, 5; and Libby, 2. Home: The VanDenbergs owe $7,500 on a $20,000 house they recently bought in south Muskegon Heights. Their monthly mortgage payment, which does not include taxes and insurance, is $450. Most recent job: Tom VanDenberg works two jobs as a certified evaluated nurse aide. He works... Full story »

November 03, 2008, 10:01AM

Nancy Hennard is administrator of Muskegon County's 60th District Court, which handles misdemeanors and other cases. She was instrumental in getting changes made recently to the county's public defender system, which provides court-appointed lawyers free of charge for criminal defendants who can't afford to hire their own attorneys. Download the MP3 or listen to the Nancy Hennard interview. Full story »

October 31, 2008, 3:11PM

Johnson family coping after teen hit by van The princess costume 14-year-old Erin Johnson wore last Halloween remains stored in a police evidence locker along with horrifying memories of the night she last wore it. The vibrant, independent Norton Shores teenager is someone very different today, recovering from a serious brain injury she suffered after being struck by a... Full story »

October 28, 2008, 9:16AM

With Gov. Jennifer Granholm at his side, a forward-thinking West Michigan business leader inaugurated a next-generation alternative energy business Monday with a small wind turbine that sits atop the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon. Photo gallery Catch the photo gallery of the event after the break. Granholm touted the Swift Wind Turbine -- developed by... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:57AM

RELATED CONTENT Tips that will help save money • Financial experts' best tips Take the financial literacy test • Where to get help • Vignette: Stacie Argetsinger • Vignettet: Vince and Deanna Malenfant • Vignette: Mike Jardine If the recent Wall Street meltdown of the credit markets taught any lessons for those on Main Street, it might be that... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:56AM

Community Access Line of the Lakeshore is available by calling 211. This resource helps connect people to agencies or volunteers who can help with a specific need. CALL also can be reached at 733-1155. HOW TO HELP Love INC, 777-3905, helps connect people who are in need with available resources. Love INC has a dire need for: Volunteers: Contact Yvonne... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:55AM

Who: Mike Jardine, 42 Family: Divorced, Jardine has joint custody of his 16-year-old daughter, Kaleigh. Home: Jardine owns a mobile home in Muskegon. His lot rent, which his parents pay, averages $350 a month. His fiance and her daughter live with him. Most recent job: Jardine has been unemployed for two years since he lost his job, which he... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:54AM

Understanding the best ways to spend and invest your money is vital to longtime security, experts say. What is your financial literacy? RELATED CONTENT More questions and the answers after the break 1. If you have caused an accident, which type of automobile insurance would cover damage to your own car? A. Term B. Collision C. Comprehensive D. Liability 2.... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:53AM

Vince Malenfant, 39, and Deanna Malenfant, 36 Family: Andrew Malenfant, 19; Aaron Malenfant, 16; Katrena Malenfant, 14; and Sullivan Malenfant, 11, all at home. They have also raised Vince Malenfant's son, Andy Stair, 18, who is a student at Western Michigan University. Home: The Malenfants are buying a home in Holton. The mortgage payment, which includes taxes and insurance,... Full story »

October 27, 2008, 8:52AM

Three personal finance experts offered their most important tip on how to stabilize a family's financial situation. • Prospective homeowners facing a new mortgage need to understand the legal documents they are signing: "(Your house) is the biggest investment most will make so you need to take it seriously. People will sign without reading their note or not understanding it.... Full story »